President El-Sisi meets Tunisia PM to boost ties, regional cooperation

Ahram Online , Wednesday 10 Sep 2025

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Al-Zaafrani on Wednesday at Al-Ittihadiya Palace to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation.

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The talks focused on deepening Egypt-Tunisia relations at both the official and popular levels, according to the presidential statement.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly during the 18th session of the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee, currently being held in Cairo.

The leaders described the committee as a strategic platform for building stronger ties, especially in trade and investment, to serve the interests of both peoples.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The two sides stressed the need for closer coordination to address regional challenges and resolve ongoing crises.

They further agreed on the importance of encouraging the private sector in Egypt and Tunisia to implement joint development projects in Africa, strengthening the regional presence of both countries.

Earlier in the day, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly welcomed Al-Zaafrani at Cairo International Airport at the start of her official visit to Egypt. She is leading Tunisia’s delegation to the Joint Higher Committee meetings.

Upon her arrival, an official reception ceremony was held, including an inspection of the Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of both countries.

On Thursday, the prime ministers of Egypt and Tunisia will co-chair the committee meetings in the New Administrative Capital.

Discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in priority areas, followed by the signing of several agreements.

The two prime ministers will also open the sessions of the Egyptian-Tunisian Business Council, which will review opportunities for private sector investment in both countries.

Established in the mid-1980s, the Joint Higher Committee is the main institutional framework for relations between Cairo and Tunis.

Meeting every two years, the committee brings together ministers, officials, and technical experts from both sides to negotiate agreements and coordinate policies.

Past sessions have resulted in accords in agriculture, education, culture, infrastructure, and counterterrorism.

The last session, held in Cairo in 2021, focused on trade and investment and included memoranda of understanding on higher education and media cooperation.

This year’s session aims to build on that progress, with a broader agenda covering renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, and transportation, as well as promoting joint development projects in Africa.

 

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